A、His girlfriend. B、His mother. C、His father. D、His teacher. C细节题。文中明确提到，Joe的父亲希望Joe放弃学业(drop out ofschool)去工作，来缓解家里的压力，故答案为C)。

Joe is a student at a college in an urban area. During his first two semesters, he did very well and[22]at the beginning of the third semester he was admitted to a special medical program. If he completed the program successfully, he would be granted admission to a good medical school. He would be able to study to become a doctor. Joe’s mother and father both have full-time jobs and Joe works part-time in a restaurant to help the family finances.
    Several weeks ago, Joe’s mother began feeling sharp chest pains. When she went to a doctor,[23]she was told that she would need a heart surgery and would have to give up her job. This would enlarge medical expenses and cost almost half the family’s income.[24]Joe’s father wants him to drop out of school and go to work full-time to help the family. Joe loves his family very much. But, if he drops out now, he would lose the entire semester’s credit and may even lose his place in the premedical program.
    He doesn’t know what to do. He speaks to his girlfriend Maria, who urges him to remain in school since to withdraw now would place his entire future in danger. He also speaks to his cousin Carol, who tells him that his first duty is to help his family get through the difficult times.
22. When was Joe admitted to the special medical programme?
23. Why would Joe’s mother give up her job?
24. Who advised Joe to give up his studies?
25. What is Joe going to do?